Uzbek Culture Widely Promoted in Türkiye as Part of UWED–MAKÜ Cooperation

International cooperation between the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University of the Republic of Türkiye (MAKÜ) has achieved another significant result through the implementation of joint projects.

As part of the TÖMER Summer School Programme, an event dedicated to Uzbekistan’s national culture and traditions was held at MAKÜ. The event brought together UWED students studying at MAKÜ and members of the teaching staff of UWED’s Department of European and Turkic Languages.

During the event, which took place at MAKÜ’s Kitap Kafe cultural venue, UWED representatives introduced the guests to traditional Uzbek dishes and confectionery. Through performances of national music, they also showcased Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage, customs and values.

The event was attended by MAKÜ Vice-Rector Professor Dr Oğuz Gürsoy, representatives of the university’s TÖMER Centre and International Relations Coordination Office, as well as UWED faculty members and students.

The cultural event formed an important part of the TÖMER Summer School Programme, organised under the bilateral cooperation agreement between UWED and MAKÜ. The programme enables students not only to develop a deeper knowledge of the Turkish language but also to gain first-hand insight into the history, culture and social life of Türkiye.

Throughout the Summer School, participants are also visiting the city of Burdur and other regions of Türkiye, where they are becoming acquainted with the country’s historical and cultural heritage. These activities contribute to the further strengthening of friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.

The event represents another practical outcome of UWED’s internationalisation strategy and its continued efforts to expand academic cooperation with foreign higher education institutions. It provides a solid foundation for the further development of student and faculty exchanges, joint educational programmes and collaborative research projects.

It is particularly noteworthy that the cultural event received extensive coverage in the Turkish media. A number of prominent information portals and news websites in Burdur Province reported on the initiative, highlighting the cooperation between UWED and MAKÜ and the promotion of Uzbek culture in Türkiye. This media coverage is helping to further enhance the positive international image and standing of the partnership between the two universities.

It should be noted that the initiative to develop this cooperation was proposed in 2024 during an official visit to MAKÜ by the Head of UWED’s Department of European and Turkic Languages. As a result of the negotiations, agreements were reached to expand cooperation between the two universities in the fields of education, academic research and academic mobility. The joint projects currently being implemented represent a consistent continuation of these initiatives.